he's giving me the B.D.I.

i had to log in for dad, cos he's not technical enough to become a full member of my blog, but the following is his report ... over to you big guy :)

Thank you son, what a sterling chap of the queen's order you truly are. (wow he speaks weird canadian .. jas)

It struck me the other day that one can measure a child's advancement using various incredible techniques, but I think I have discovered an innovation of my own. The BDI is Bathroom Development Indicator, and is a measurement of a child's reactions to his father (or mother) taking a shower:
.. 0-1 month .. child lies on his change mat naked, unware of the existence of a bath, but vaguely soothed by the sound of running water in the vicinity
.. 1-2 month .. eyes are focussing on the mysterious curtain, and a recognition that this is the source of the sounds
.. 2-3 month .. the sound of running water is not just soothing, but enjoyable. A mild chuckle can be heard, and a broad smile observed
.. 3-4 month .. the child is so familiar with the activity of parental shower, that he can play with a simple toy, while the shower takes place. The level of familiarity and comfort is further demonstrated by urination upon the floor
.. 4-6 month .. rolling over is now fun, so sitting in a bouncy chair is preferred over the mat. Child will still happily play with toys, and then sit for a while once they have been successfully thrown out of reach.
.. 6-7 month .. diapers now a necessity to protect the chair, so in order to inform the parent of some diaper action while enjoying the shower, some grunting is in order from the child, and then the gift can be delivered in style. Just what we want when all clean and ready for work!
.. 7-8 month .. similar, but for some reason it is now hilarious to poo while parent is showering. Fits of chuckling as the gift is prepared.
.. 8-9 month .. crawling. Important to provide many toys and keep chemicals and other bathroom items out of place. The chair is no longer a container for more than 2 minutes.
.. 9-10 month .. child now pulls himself up to the side of the bath, and delivers rubber ducks and stacking cups down the side of the curtain .. terribly cute.
.. 10 month .. the stage that we have all been waiting for (especially Joel). Shower time is recognised and anticipated, and can be heard from any room in the apartment. Child crawls as fast as possible to the location of the shower, hauls himself up to standing, and proudly pulls back the shower curtain with a huge grin across his face. The subsequent soaking simply adds to the delight.

At this stage we can only guess at the future Bathroom Development Indication, but we are fully expecting full participation in the showering process .. probably neglecting to disrobe before taking the plunge.

To any parents who are unsure of their baby's age. Simply take a shower, apply the results against the scale above. Once you have a result (n), be aware that your childs first birthday will be in (12-n) months .. you need to know this.

Thank you my son for allowing me to publish the results of my study on your highly esteemed blog. Keep writing for the masses. Dad